A new way to seal windows
Gary Thomas, commercial director of Hodgson Sealants, talks about the emergence of hybrid technology as the next generation of sealants with added benefits over traditional sealants. Enhanced performance credentials and additional product features are all part of their new offering, he explains.
The glazing industry has been using traditional silicone sealants for decades, since the emergence of the first PVCU window systems in the late 1960s. Formulations have changed considerably, new colours have come in and the difference between the high quality silicones that carry the Hodgson Sealants name brand and those at the budget end of the market is now greater than ever.
Our industry consumes silicone sealants by the tonne each week. However, with the ever-changing market, there are many opportunities for hybrid sealants.
Hybrid sealants have been around for a number of years, but with formulation developments their performance now lends itself for applications suitable for the window, door and conservatory roof industry.
As a company that’s still owner managed by the Hodgson family, we are a business with a culture based on strong core values. Therefore, it was important for us to engage with the industry at the FIT Show for the launch of HY-Spec 25. It’s a product aimed directly at glazing installers that can be used internally and externally, is as flexible as a quality silicone sealant, and is solvent free.
HY-Spec 25 is by definition a low modulus sealant tested to ISO 11600 25 LM and conforms to CE Mark EN15651-1:F-EXT-INT-CC: Class 25LM.
It’s specifically designed to accommodate movement between dissimilar materials and is perfect for the perimeter sealing of PVCU, aluminium and timber window and door frames. Importantly, it also meets the requirements of BS 8213-4 for the installation of windows and doors.
One of the key benefits of HY-Spec 25 is that it is paintable. Visitors to our stand at the FIT Show saw first-hand the difference this can make, particularly when sealing windows and doors, where the versatility allows the use of one product inside and out. It has a formulation that is UV resistant, which means the white stays white over time rather than morphing into a dirty cream colour.
From an installer’s perspective, and considering the climate in the UK, HY-Spec25 can be applied in damp conditions, and the formulation is permanently elastic and designed to eliminate the shrinkage associated with other sealants.
We’ve been monitoring the growth in colours and woodgrains in the window industry in the UK and also more recently in the composite door sector, and so are offering HY-Spec 25 in white, black, grey, anthracite grey and brown initially. We will also consider expanding this range as we start to generate sales traction in the coming months and, judging by the volume of qualified leads from the FIT Show, installation companies are particularly eager to start using hybrid sealants.
Our development of HY-Spec 25 has pushed the boundaries in terms of technical performance. Ultimately, we manufacture outstanding sealants and adhesives from our site in Beverley, which are of the upmost quality and which perform to the highest standards. Our new hybrid development will carry this ethos well into the future.